Cosmetics Use-Related Adverse Events and Determinants Among Jigjiga Town Residents, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

IntroductionNon-medicated cosmetics use is very common among the Ethiopian population. However, little is known about these products’ related adverse events. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of cosmetics-related adverse events among Jigjiga Town residents, Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in May and June 2014. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect cosmetics use pattern and related adverse events. For assessing determinants, logistic regression was used and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsOverall, 600 participants were approached with a 93% response rate. Ninety-three percent (n = 521) of them reported the use of cosmetics at least once within 2 weeks prior to this study, and of these, 229 (44%) used traditional herbal cosmetics along with modern cosmetics. A total of 342 (61%) reported experiencing adverse events of which the most common reported were: allergic reactions, 149 (36%); the appearance of acne, 66 (16%); and hirsutism, 52 (12.5%). The occurrence of cosmetics-related adverse events were significantly associated with the number of cosmetics used per day, the frequency of use, mixing of different types of cosmetics together, and mixing of cosmetics with water or saliva.ConclusionA higher proportion of cosmetic users reported experiencing at least one adverse event. The number of cosmetic products and frequency of use were important predictors for experiencing adverse events. This implies the need to consider safety concerns related to cosmetic use. Approaches to address such issues may include awareness creation programs and promoting the concept of cosmetovigilance among cosmetic sellers, users, and other stakeholders.

Adverse cutaneous reactions to skin care products on the face vary with age, but not with sex

“…We could not differentiate between allergic or irritant reactions, but these could account for equal proportions of dermatitis. 33 Consistent with previous findings, 20 we also observed that a substantial proportion of patients had acne (19%) and telangiectasia (14%), probably because of long-term use of products containing steroids, as certain common skin care products contain steroids, [34][35][36][37] which can cause acne. 38 It appeared that more females than males had acne, but the difference was not significant, possibly because of a small number of male subjects.…”

“…19 In certain regions, the incidence can be as high as 14%. 20 Although we cannot specify the incidence of adverse cutaneous reactions to skin care products in the general population of Guangzhou City, China, the 0.1% frequency among all outpatients in a general dermatology clinic is high enough to draw attention to the safety of skin care products.…”

Prevalence of topical corticosteroids related adverse drug events and associated factors in selected community pharmacies and cosmetic shops of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…The frequency of use had also shown a statistically significant association with the occurrence of ADE. Similar findings were reported inside the country where higher frequency of use increased the occurrence of the ADE [27]. This study has clearly shown that the participants who selected their TCs by friends as well as by looking appearance and aroma were at a higher risk to develop an ADE.…”

“…The number of participants who reported to have experienced adverse cosmetic events was higher as compared to figures documented in other parts of Ethiopia [21,22] and in other countries such as the Netherlands [23], UK [24], Nepal [25], and Rio de Janeiro [26]. However, a higher figure had also been reported in a study by Bilal et al among residents of Jigjiga town in the same country [27]. This can be explained, partly, by the little priority given to cosmetic use safety evaluations and laboratory assessments in Ethiopia [28,29].…”

“…This could be explained by presence of interaction between cosmetic products or a synergistic effect of the products to each other. similar studies also reported that mixing of cosmetics with other substances like water and saliva increase the ADE [21,27].…”